Easter Monday remains non-federal holiday in U.S.

Easter Monday is not a federal holiday in the United States. This means it does not affect federal institutions or services. Most banks are open on Easter Monday. Unlike federal holidays, there is no widespread closure of banking institutions on this day. No, Easter Monday is not a state holiday in New Jersey. Government offices, banks, and post offices remain open, and business continues as usual. While schools and local institutions may close at their discretion, these closures are not common. Yes, the stock markets are open on Easter Monday, and trading resumes as usual. Easter Monday, the day following Easter Sunday, is marked by Christian communities around the world as a continuation of the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Communities with strong Catholic or Orthodox traditions often attend church services and participate in family observances to mark the occasion. In a recent segment of ‘The Big Weekend Show,’ public opinion was explored in New York City regarding a proposal to make Easter Monday a federal holiday. The discussion has sparked a variety of viewpoints and has become a hot topic of conversation. The proposal suggests that Easter Monday, following the widely celebrated Easter Sunday, be recognized as a federal holiday to provide an extended time for family gatherings and rest. Proponents argue that the additional holiday would offer a much-needed break and allow people to enjoy more quality time with loved ones. They also point out that several countries around the world already recognize Easter Monday as a public holiday. On the other hand, opponents of the proposal raise concerns about the economic impact of an additional federal holiday. Businesses may face productivity challenges, and there are worries about the financial implications for companies required to give employees an extra paid day off. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this proposal will gain traction and make its way through the legislative process. For now, the public and lawmakers alike are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of making Easter Monday an official day off across the nation. Easter weekend is here, and for many Christians, it begins with Good Friday — a day of deep reflection and one of the most solemn observances of the year. While Easter Sunday is often marked by celebration, Good Friday takes a quieter tone.

Debate on Easter Monday holiday

Here’s why it is observed and some common traditions across the world. Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter and marks the day Jesus was crucified and died. In 2025, it is observed on April 18. This day commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christian belief. Although Lent officially ends with Holy Thursday — also known as Maundy Thursday — many continue to refrain from consuming flesh meat on Good Friday. This includes beef, pork, and poultry, allowing the consumption of fish. This practice honors Jesus sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday. Non-flesh products, like milk, cheese, butter, and eggs, are still allowed. During Good Friday specifically, some Catholics choose to fast: they only eat one full meal and may eat two smaller meals as long as they do not equal the one full meal. Fasting during Lent represents the fasting Jesus did while in the desert. Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, observed by millions worldwide during the Easter season. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospels, Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Christians believe he died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday. In many cultures, Good Friday is marked by processions that re-enact Jesus’s final journey to the cross, often featuring participants carrying crosses or religious images. Churches may also hold special services, dim the lights, and muffle bells to reflect the day’s solemnity. One traditional observance is the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that follows 14 moments along Jesus’s path to Calvary, accompanied by prayers and quiet reflection. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. In 2025, the spring equinox fell on Thursday, March 20, making Easter Sunday April 20. Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, marked by various traditions and celebrations leading up to the day — and observed by millions worldwide. For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, and on the third day — Easter Sunday — he rose from the dead. Image Credits: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash